Workstation module for a reclinable office chair

ABSTRACT

A workstation comprising a base, a working platform and a supporting member between the base and the working platform is disclosed and used in conjunction with a typical ergonomically adjustable office chair. The workstation includes a pair of leg rests adjustably fixed to the supporting member such that the user can fully extend and support their legs in a comfortable manner. The angle and position of the working platform and leg rests are adjusted in concert with adjustments to the chair&#39;s height and seating angle to optimize the user&#39;s posture while operating a computer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority from Canadian Patent Application2550385 “Workstation Module for a Reclinable Office Chair” filed in theCanadian Patent Office on Jun. 5, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to desks and chairs and more particularly to aworkstation module for a reclinable office chair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Office workers often suffer fatigue and lost productivity due to longhours spent seated at a desk. Over the years, office furnituremanufacturers have responded with a variety of ergonomic office chairsand desks designed to alleviate this problem. One early solution was theadvent of swiveling, and castered office chairs that permitted a workerto more easily multitask between different workstations (for example: toscoot between a typewriter and a nearby filing cabinet). The advent ofcomputers resulted in even more sedentary workers so recent improvementshave focused more on optimizing the ergonomics of their seating posture.Castered, swiveling and now ergonomically adjustable office chairs havetherefore become ubiquitous in the office environment.

Typically these ergonomic chairs possess a variety of mechanicalcontrols for adjusting the chair's seat-height with respect to thefloor, its angle between the seat cushion and seatback cushion, itsoverall tilt angle, its armrest height, its lumbar support etc.

Various efforts have also been made to optimally position an ergonomicoffice chair with respect to the keyboard and display of a computer.Cooper (U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,864) provides the user with an optimal,recumbent posture by integrating the user's chair with a computer. May(U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,476) also provides an integrated chair/computerhowever it appears somewhat less ergonomic. Maddox (U.S. Pat. No.6,056,363) provides yet another reclining “computer/chair”. While thesetypes of integrated solution may provide an ergonomic posture, they aremassive, complicated and expensive. Furthermore, they cannot make use ofexisting ergonomic office chairs that a user may already have in theirpossession.

Trimnell (U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,607) and Sher (U.S. Pat. No. 6,773,060)propose much simpler and inexpensive solutions that attach directly toan existing office chair. Such devices are relatively inexpensivehowever they provide no support to the user for a reclining work postureand are therefore ergonomically sub-optimal. Furthermore, theircantilevered geometry cannot support heavy work tools such as a CRTcomputer monitor. Furthermore, being attached to the chair, thesedevices encumber the user when attempting to stand up or sit down.

Brown (U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,794) and Lin (6,425,631) propose compromisesolutions having either a totally separate computer workstation module(Brown) or one that is quite easily moved to permit the user to sit downor get up (Lin). Neither device however facilitates a reclined workingposture when used in conjunction with an existing ergonomic officechair.

Therefore there continues to be a need for a computer workstation thatis ergonomic, easy to assemble or disassemble and inexpensive tomanufacture.

OBJECTIVES AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide areclining workstation module for use with existing reclinable officechairs and existing office desks.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a compactand geometrically strong workstation module that supports the user'slegs in a reclined posture when the office chair is reclined whilesimultaneously supporting a laptop computer at an ergonomically correctposition.

It is still a further objective of the present invention to provide aworkstation module that has a minimum number of moving parts while stillbeing adaptable to different sized users.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide aworkstation module optimized for use with laptop computer but that canoptionally be augmented for use with desktop computers.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide aworkstation module that exploits the adjustments available in theexisting office chair with which it is used, thereby minimizing thenumber of moving parts.

A further objective of the present invention is to provide a workstationmodule that can provide supplemental adjustability to fit the needs ofparticularly large or small users.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a workstationmodule that can either stand alone for use with a laptop computer orelse be used in conjunction with an existing office desk for tasksinvolving a desktop computer.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a workstationmodule that enables users to quickly and easily change their workposture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to satisfy the requirements identified above, my invention is aworkstation module for a reclinable office chair. The chair comprises amobile base supporting a seat having a top surface and a bottom surface.The seat includes an adjustable backrest, a left armrest having an uppersurface and a right armrest having an upper surface. The base comprisesa central telescoping column supporting the seat and a plurality ofradially extending supporting members each having an inside end fixed tothe bottom of the column and an outside end adapted to carry swivelcastors for mobility.

The workstation comprises a supporting base comprising a first basemember being a cross-member having a first end and a second end, abottom surface and a top surface, a second base member fixed near itsmid point to the first base member first end and oriented perpendicularthereto and a third base member fixed near its mid point to the firstbase member second end and oriented perpendicular thereto therebyforming an H-shaped supporting base. The support base may also have a“T” configuration, an “O” configuration or a squared “C” configuration.The second and third base members each have first and second ends thatare adapted to carry feet or castors to support the base off of thefloor. The workstation further includes a vertical column having a firstand second end. The first end is fixed to the centre of the first basemember top surface and the second end is fixed to an angled supportmember adapted to support a tilting worktable having a top edge, abottom edge, a left edge, a right edge, an upper working surface and alower surface having a centre point. There are also provided a left legsupport platform and a right leg support platform fixed to the verticalcolumn.

In one embodiment of the workstation a four-legged table may be used inconjunction with the workstation or the four-legged table may beincorporated into the tilting worktable.

In one embodiment of the invention there is a workstation modulecomprising a base portion, a working platform having an adjustable tiltangle and having a top surface and a bottom surface and disposed abovethe base portion at a first height adjustable by first adjustable meansand ergonomically optimized for comfort of a user, vertical supportmeans disposed between the base portion and the working platform anduser leg support means attached to the vertical support means at asecond height adjustable by second adjustable means.

The base portion comprises a first member comprising a cross memberhaving a first end, a second end, a middle and a first plurality ofapertures there-through, a second member having a first end, a secondend and a middle wherein the second member middle is fixed to the crossmember first end and a third member having a first end, a second end anda middle wherein the third member middle is fixed to the cross membersecond end thereby forming an “H”-shaped base portion.

The vertical support means comprises a vertical member having secondplurality of apertures there-through, a first end and a second end,wherein the first end includes an attachment channel having a thirdplurality of apertures therein, wherein the attachment channel isadapted to fit over the cross member, and wherein the third plurality ofapertures is adapted to coincide with the first plurality of aperturesso that the attachment channel may be fixed by fixing means to thecross-member thereby permitting adjustable placement of the verticalmember along the cross member.

The vertical support means further comprises a telescoping tiltingmember comprising a first inclined member having a first end and asecond end, wherein the first inclined member first end is adjustablypinned in a pivoting relationship to the vertical member second end sothat the angle of the telescoping tilting member may be adjusted withrespect to a horizontal plane and the first inclined member second endtelescopes within a first end of a second adjacent and co-axial inclinedmember.

The second adjacent and co-axial inclined member second end isadjustably pinned to the working platform bottom surface permitting theadjustable tilt angle.

The telescoping tilting member has an adjustable length by releasablyclamping the first end of the second adjacent and co-axial inclinedmember with respect to the second end inclined first member.

The user leg support means comprise a first leg support attached at theadjustable second height to one side of the vertical member and a secondleg support attached to the opposite side of the vertical member at theadjustable second height.

The first leg support and the second leg support are tiltable by tiltingmeans to an angle selectable by the user so that the first and secondleg supports hold the calves of the user in a comfortable manner andpermit the user full leg extension underneath the working surface.

The first and second leg supports are cushioned for user comfort.

In another embodiment of the invention there is a workstation modulecomprising a base portion, a working platform disposed above the baseportion at an adjustable first height, vertical support means having afirst end and a second end disposed between the base portion and theworking platform and user leg support means, wherein the workingplatform is attached to the vertical support means second end at a fixedsecond height, and wherein the user leg support means are attached tothe vertical support means between the vertical support means second endand the vertical support means first end.

This embodiment of the workstation module has a base portion thatcomprises a first member comprising a cross dowel-member having a firstend, a second end and a middle, a second member having a first end and asecond end, wherein the second member first end is fixed to the crossdowel-member first end and a third member having a first end and asecond end wherein the third member first end is fixed to the crossdowel-member second end thereby forming an square “C”-shaped baseportion.

The workstation module working platform is a rectangular member having asuitable top surface area for a work object and a bottom surface.

The workstation module working platform bottom surface is removeablyattached to the vertical support means second end by first pivot means.

The workstation module platform includes a bottom end having arestraining member fixed thereto to prevent the work object from falloff the bottom end of the working platform.

The workstation module restraining member has a rounded profile tocomfortably support the wrists of the user during keyboardingoperations.

The workstation module vertical support means comprises an inclinedmember having an angle of inclination from a horizontal surfaceadjustable between zero degrees and ninety degrees, a first end and asecond end, wherein the inclined member first end is attached to thecross dowel-member middle by first adjustable pivoting means, and theinclined support member second end is attached to the working platformbottom surface by the second pivoting means.

The workstation module first pivoting means comprises a first aperturein the inclined member first end adapted to frictionally fit around thecross dowel-member middle so that the user is able to increase ordecrease the angle of inclination by raising or lowering the workingplatform thereby determining the first adjustable height.

The angle of inclination may be fixed by fixing means located adjacentto the first aperture.

The fixing means comprises a first aperture in the first end of theinclined member and a plurality of second apertures in the crossdowel-member, the plurality of second apertures serially arranged aroundthe circumference of the cross dowel-member, wherein each secondaperture of the plurality of second apertures represents a predeterminedangle of inclination, and further wherein the angle of inclination isfixed by aligning the first aperture and one of the plurality of secondapertures and inserting a pin therein.

The fixing means may also comprise a compression clamp adjacent to theinclined member first end aperture, wherein the compression clamp isadapted for compression of the inclined member first end aperture aroundthe cross dowel-member thereby retaining the angle of inclination.

The fixing means may also comprise a splined portion located at themiddle portion of the cross dowel-member and an aperture in the firstend of the inclined member, the aperture having serrations adapted tomesh with the spline portion thereby maintaining a predetermined angleof inclination when the serrations are meshed with the spline portion.

The second pivoting means comprises a second aperture in the inclinedmember second end and an apertured bracket adapted to receive the secondaperture to that a pin may be inserted through the apertured bracket andthe second aperture thereby attaching the inclined member second end tothe working platform bottom surface and permitting adjustment of theworking platform tilt angle.

The user leg support means comprises an attachment bracket adapted forsliding engagement along the inclined support member, wherein theattachment bracket is fixable anywhere along the inclined member byreleasable fixing means, and wherein a first leg support is attached tothe left side of the attachment bracket and a second leg support isattached to the right side of the attachment bracket so that the user isable to slide the first and the second leg supports in a parallel mannerup or down the inclined support member and fix the location of the legsupport means in a comfortable position.

The workstation has a stowage and shipping position wherein the inclinedmember sits parallel to the second and third base members and the tiltangle of the working platform is zero so that the workstation may beeasily stowed and shipped.

The angle of inclination is adjustable by second pivot means between thevertical support second end and the inclined member first end.

The invention may also take the form of a combination of a workstationmodule with a reclinable office chair. The chair is comprised of amobile base comprising a central telescoping column having a top end anda bottom end. The top end is fixed to a seat bottom and the bottom endis fixed to a plurality of radially extending supporting members eachhaving an inside end fixed to the bottom of the column and an outsideend adapted to carry a swivel castor for mobility. The workstationmodule comprises a supporting base comprising a first base member havinga first end, a second end and a middle and a second base member having afirst end and a second end. The first end of the second base member isfixed to the middle of the first base member thereby forming a“T”-shaped base. There is a vertical supporting member having a length,a first end fixed to the middle of the first base member and a secondend fixed to a working platform. The vertical supporting membercomprises a plurality of apertures along its length, and leg supportingmeans adapted for attachment to the vertical member at one of theplurality of apertures.

In yet another embodiment of the invention there is an office module kitcomprising a leg rest and a keyboard rest used in combination with acomputer tower, an office chair and horizontal working surface An officemodule kit comprising a leg rest and a keyboard rest used in combinationwith a computer tower, an office chair and horizontal working surfacewherein the leg rest is adapted to fit over the top of the computertower and is angled at a first predetermined angle to provide anergonomic comfort position for an operator; and wherein, the keyboardrest is included at a second predetermined angle for maximum comfort andstress free operation of the keyboard. The leg rest is adapted to fitover the top of the computer tower and is angled at a firstpredetermined angle to provide an ergonomic comfort position for anoperator. The keyboard rest is includes at a second predetermined anglefor maximum comfort and stress free operation of the keyboard.

These and other objectives and embodiments will become more apparentfrom consideration of the following figures and their detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective front view of one embodiment of thepresent invention with a user seated with back erect and legsoutstretched working with a laptop computer.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the same embodiment shown in FIG. 1with its user seated in a semi-reclined posture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the same embodiment shown in FIG. 1with the user seated in an erect position with both feet on the ground.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the same embodiment shown in FIG. 1which uses a modified office chair to safely permit a fully reclineduser posture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a close-up, detailed view of the tilting worktableshown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up, detailed view of the calf supports shownin FIG. 1. Five instances of the support labeled A to E are shownmounted to the central support column to illustrate a preferredadjustment mechanism.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the same embodiment of theinvention as shown in FIG. 1 and illustrating the use of the inventionwith a conventional desk and desktop computer.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of theinvention having a bolt-on table fixture augmenting the functionality ofthe invention as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 illustrates a monolithic embodiment of the invention having nomoving parts or adjustments.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the invention which hasgreater adjustability than the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the invention which is easilycollapsible for storage.

FIG. 12 illustrates the same embodiment of the invention as shown inFIG. 11 in a collapsed configuration for storage.

FIG. 13 illustrates one embodiment of the invention that supports thesoles of the user's feet rather than the calves of their legs forsemi-recumbent seating.

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of the invention which attachesto the base of an office chair.

FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention usingtubular members.

FIG. 17 illustrates another example of the invention in FIG. 16 in afolded configuration.

FIG. 18 depicts an alternate, kit embodiment of the invention thatexploits additional office structures (other than the typical officechair), to provide the desired support structure for the user's calvesand their computer equipment, thereby enabling the same recumbentworking posture as the invention's non-kit embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIG. 1 there is illustrated a front perspective viewof my invention: a workstation module for a reclinable office chair.User 2 is seated on a typical office chair 4, which in turn ispositioned adjacent to my workstation 6. Office chair 4 is ergonomicallydesigned for user comfort and efficiency and comprises a base 8supporting seat 10, seatback 12 and typically also includes left andright armrests 14 and 16 respectively. Base 8 is typically comprised of5 radial support members denoted 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26, each radialbeing supported at its outboard end by swivel-caster 28, 30, 32, 34 and36 (these numbers not all shown on figure) and centrally joined to chairsupport column 38). Support column 38 telescopes to provide seat heightadjustability and typically employs a pneumatic piston mechanism.

User 2 sits on seat 10, leans against seatback 12 and utilizes controllevers 11 to adjust the chair's moveable parts until comfortableergonomics are achieved. For example: lever 40 might adjust the lengthof telescopic support column 38, lever 42 might adjust the angle ofseatback 12 with respect to seat 10 and lever 44 might adjust theoverall backwards tilt angle of the seat and seatback. Moresophisticated controls (not illustrated) may be included to provideadditional degrees of adjustment such as: armrest height, fore and aftseat position, lumbar support firmness, headrest position etc. In orderto insure safety and stability, modern standards regulate the number anddimensions of base radials 18 to 24 with respect to the maximum tiltangle of seatback 12.

The office chair 4 shown in FIGS. 1 though 15 illustrate typicaldimensions and proportions with respect to the illustrated,average-sized male human 2. My invention 6 is also shown with typicaldimensions, proportions and mechanical configurations however furthervariability may be reasonably inferred to accommodate atypical userphysiques or work habits.

My invention 6 is comprised of a base portion 50, which centrallysupports a substantially vertical column 52 and to which inclinedsupport arm 54 is mounted. Working platform 56 is tiltable and mountedto the upper end of inclined support arm 54 and two leg supportplatforms 58 and 60 are adjustably mounted to opposite sides of verticalcolumn 52. To use my invention, user 2 stretches out upon reclinedoffice chair 4 placed adjacent to base portion 50 and straddles column52 such that calves 62 and 64 rest on leg support platforms 58 and 60.Working platform 56 is positioned for use by adjusting the reclinablechair's posture controls 40, 42 and 44 to locate and orient the usersuch that working platform 56 provides ergonomic support for office workobject 66 (such as the illustrated laptop computer). Other suitable workobjects for support by table 56 might be: a keyboard, reading material,or writing material.

Working platform 56 is typically affixed to inclined support arm 52 bymeans of hinge clamp 68, thereby enabling adjustment of the table's tiltangle for greater comfort. When not being used as a workstation, theuser may rotate table 56 to the horizontal to enable it to serve as aconventional table. See FIG. 5 for more detail of the hinge clamp 68.

Restraining member 70 forms a ridge along the lower edge of the tiltedworking platform 56 thereby preventing work object 66 from sliding off.The upper rear edge 72 of member 70 is typically rounded to provide acomfortable support for the user's wrist while keyboarding. The lowerrear edge 74 of member 70 may also be rounded to prevent marring ofarmrests 14 and 16 in the event that chair 4 is positioned such that theworking platform's lower edge contacts the armrests.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the base portion 50 is comprised ofan “H” shaped configuration of three members. Base members 76, 78 and 80are typically formed of rectangular cross-section steel and welded intothe desired form however other member cross-sections, materials orjoinery methods may be used (e.g.: bolted aluminum or glued wood).Cross-member 80 joins left and right foot-members 76 and 78 to form an“H-shaped” base having open ends into which the casters of chair 4 maybe advanced as required in order to adjust the horizontal position ofthe user 2 with respect to worktable 56.

The cross-member 80 has a first end and a second end and is shown joinednear the midpoints of members 76 and 78 however those “H” proportionsmay be varied to increase the depth 77 of the open end 79 presentedtowards the user 2. Moving the cross-member 80 forward ultimatelytransforms the “H-shaped” base in a “C-shaped” base (see FIGS. 10 and11). An “E-shaped” base is also possible. This configuration (notillustrated) might also be employed in which the tip of its center prongis used to support the vertical column 52. Other configurations for baseportion 50 may also be used to minimize construction costs or toimmobilize vertical member 52. For example: when provided for use bystudents in a university study hall, base portion 50 might be comprisedof a plate bolted to the floor or vertical member 52 may even be simplyembedded into a concrete floor.

Other freestanding base portion shapes such as circular or radialdesigns (similar to base 8 of chair 4) are also within the scope of theinvention.

Level adjuster feet 75 are typically provided at the corners of base 50as illustrated (lockable casters may also be used for increasedmobility).

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown in FIG. 2 the sameembodiment of my invention 6 as illustrated in FIG. 1 however the user 2is in a semi-reclined position. The back 12 of the seat 4 is adjusted byuse of one of the controls 40, 42 or 44 depending on the design of thechair. The height of the chair seat on column 38 is also adjustable bythe user. The user's calves 62 and 64 are resting on the leg rests 58and 50 adjustably fixed to vertical member 52.

Vertical member 52 is affixed at its first end 53 to cross-member 80near its mid-point 81. Fixation is typically by welding howeverappropriate bolted, clamped or hinged fixations may also be used. Thesecond end 55 of vertical member 52 is affixed to first end 57 ofinclined support member 54. Again, monolithically welded construction istypical however a pivoting joint may also be provided at joint 59 inorder to adjust angle 61 between the vertical member 52 and angledmember 54 for improved comfort and ease of storage and dismantling (seeFIG. 10 for example). The second end 63 of inclined support member 54 isfixed to work table 56 via fixation means 68. Fixation means 68 may berigid or articulated for more ergonomic adjustability.

Left and right leg support platforms 58 and 60 are affixed to verticalmember 52 such that the reclined user's calves 62 and 64 restcomfortably on them. The means used to affix platforms 60 and 62 tovertical may be a welded joint however its preferred embodiment iscomprised of a mechanism 90 allowing both positional and angularadjustments of the platforms as further explained below.

The length and orientation of support member 54 result in bothhorizontal and vertical offsets of worktable 56 with respect to verticalmember 52. The support member's length and orientation are chosen suchthat horizontal offset 92 is approximately equal to 94 (the horizontaldistance between the user's hands 96, 98 and calves 62, 64 when seat 4back 12 is reclined). To provide comfortable ergonomics, distances 92,and 94 are also approximately equal to distance 100 (the pullbackdistance resulting from reclining seatback 12).

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 there is shown the same embodiment ofmy invention 6 but in this FIG. 3 the user 2 is sitting in an uprightposture with both feet on a floor surface. Distance 94 and 100 are bothreduced when the user elects to work in the conventional upright officeposture however, since the leg rests 58 and 60 are no longer utilizedthe approximate equality of distance 92 to distances 94 and 100 is nolonger required.

Referring now to FIG. 4 there is shown the same embodiment of myinvention 6 as in FIGS. 1 to 3 however in the this FIG. 4 the user 2 isin a fully reclined position and the seat back 12 is almost horizontal,that is, angle 110 approaches 180 degrees. In this configuration, theuser is able to adopt a comfortable resting position while at theworkstation 6 and rest legs 112 and 114 on leg rests 58 and 60. Toprovide greater support and stability to the reclined user, at least one116 of the plurality of radial chair supports is extendable to a length53 underneath the reclined chair back 12. This prevents tipping of thechair backwards. Alternatively, the fully reclining chair can bestabilized against tipping by integrating it into this embodiment (seeFIG. 13).

Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown the lower surface 120 of theworktable 56. Also shown is vertical member 52 joining the inclinedsupport member 54 at joint 59. The second end 63 of inclined supportmember 54 is pivotally attached to the lower surface 120 of the worktable 56 by means of an apertured hinge 122 over an aligned aperture(not shown) in the second end 63 of the inclined support member. Thehinge is adjustably fixed by way of locking clamp 124. The hinge 122 isfixed to a plate 126 comprising screw holes 128 at each of its corners130. The lower surface 120 of the work table has a plurality of holes134 in linear trains that are adapted to coincide with the screw holeson the plate 126. The work table can be therefore adjusted to suit theuser and then fixed into place by screws.

Referring now to FIG. 6 there is shown one embodiment of my invention inwhich the left and right leg rest platforms 140 and 142 are adjustablyfixed to vertical column 144. To clarify how fore/aft adjustment of theleg rest platforms 140 and 142 can be done using a simple U-boltclamping mechanism 146 the leg rest platforms are shown in a variety ofpositions A to E on the vertical column. In positions A and B, betweenthe left and right leg rest platform is a leg rest axle 150. A first 152and second 154 U-bolts are used to fix the axle 150 against the outsidesurface 156 of the vertical column 144. The threaded ends 158 of theU-bolts are joined by a pressure plate 160 between them. The pressureplate includes a threaded aperture 162 at its centre which receives athreaded shaft 164 with a knob 166. As the knob is turned, the threadedshaft threads into the aperture and against the inside surface 170 ofthe vertical column 144 thereby tightening the U-bolts against the axleand the outside surface of the vertical column. By loosening the U-boltsthe leg rest platforms can be moved up and down the vertical column andangles to suit the user. In positions C and D the leg rest platforms canbe reversed. In position E the leg rest platforms can be lowered to thebottom of the vertical column to act as foot rests.

As FIG. 6 illustrates, on the top surface 190 and 192 of each of the legrest supports 140 and 142 there is a cushion 194 and 196 configured toprovide a comfortable support for each of the user's calves. To provideoptimal comfort, each platform's upper surface may be somewhat concaveto roughly conform to the user's calf and may also include a cushionedcovering that further relives pressure points.

Still referring to FIG. 6 the leg rest platforms may be adjustable in afore and aft motion by an eccentric fore/aft fixation of axle 150 ontothe leg-rest platforms 140 and 142 to effect the desired movement. Notein position A that the distance from axle 150 to the front end of theplatform is somewhat greater than the distance from the axle to theirback ends. In position B the axle is more centered on the platform andso these distances change. In position C and D the platforms have beenmounted so that the axle 150 is against the front surface 170 of column144 and in the opposite direction, thereby reversing the eccentricityand moving the platforms further back thereby providing two morehorizontal adjustment options for the two leg-rest platforms.

In order to accommodate the most complete range of user physiques andwork desirable postures, my invention may be equipped with reversibleplatforms that can support either the user's calves or the user's feet.In position E the leg rest platforms are installed cushion side down topresent a flat durable surface 198 suitable for a footrest when the userdesires only a lightly reclined posture.

Referring now to FIG. 7 there is illustrated another embodiment of myinvention 200 being used in conjunction with a full-sized desktopcomputer comprised of: CRT monitor 202, CPU unit 204 and keyboard 206.The monitor 202 is too heavy and bulky to be supported by worktable 208and so an existing, standard office desk 210 may be positioned in frontof and somewhat above my invention 200 such that the reclined user 212can achieve a usage configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 1 andFIG. 2. The computer system's keyboard 206 resides on worktable 208together with a computer mouse (not shown). The system's CPU unit 204may be placed either on the floor as shown or on table 210.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of my invention 220 that integrates thesame functionality as the configuration shown in FIG. 7. Instead ofresting adjacent to an existing office desk, a purpose-built desk 220 isdimensioned such that its legs 224 to 230 affix onto base members 232and 234 using fixation bolts 222. FIG. 8 also shows the location of knob166 used to adjust the location and angle of the leg supports.

Now referring to FIG. 9 there is shown yet another embodiment of myinvention 250 which integrates a horizontal, monitor-supporting table252 with the tilted, keyboard-supporting table 254. Table 252 and tiltedsupporting table are joined at a fixed or adjustable hinged joint 256.The horizontal table and the tilt table are supported by a verticalcolumn 258 fixed to the mid-point of cross-member 260. If angularadjustment is provided, it may be used either to improve theergonometric angle of keyboard 262 or to make the horizontal table 252coplanar with tilt table 254 when the invention is not being used as awork station.

Referring now to FIG. 10 to facilitate compact retail packaging, theframe members used to form base 60 may be bolted together for assemblyby the end-user. FIG. 10 illustrates a bolted embodiment thatfacilitates such disassembly for compact storage. The embodiment shownin FIG. 1 also lends itself to compact storage: if the upper and lowerends of vertical member 52 have removable fixations to base 50 and table56 then those upper and lower planar members can be boxed closelytogether for efficient shipping or compact storage. Even easiercollapsibility can be incorporated into this general concept byutilizing lockable hinge joints (not illustrated) at the two ends ofvertical member 52 thereby enabling base 50 and table 56 to be quicklyfolded into a flattened structure suitable for compact storage.

Still referring to FIG. 10 vertical support member 302 comprises avertical support column 304 and a flange 306. Both the vertical supportcolumn and flange comprise a plurality of apertures vertically 308 andhorizontally 310. The horizontal cross-member 312 is also comprises aplurality of apertures 314. In this embodiment, the top end 316 of thevertical support column 304 is pivotally fixed by hinge 340 to the firsthorizontal component 320 first end 322. The first horizontal component320 second end 324 has a telescoping relationship with second horizontalcomponent 326 first end 328 so that the length of the combinedhorizontal support 330 can be adjusted towards or away from the user 332so that different user physiques can be accommodated. The firsthorizontal component 320 is fixed positional with respect to the secondhorizontal component 326 by way of a locking camp 334. The second end336 of second horizontal component 326 is pivotally fixed to theunderside 338 of work table 340 so that the tilt angle of the work tablecan be adjusted to suit the user. The second end of the secondhorizontal component is fixed to the underside of the table using thesame means as illustrated in FIG. 5 and described previously.Cross-member 312 and apertured flange 306 can be moved towards or awayfrom the user thereby adjusting the distance of the leg supports andtable from the user. Similarly, the height of the support 330 can beadjusted by adjusting the aperture point at which the first end 322 ofthe first horizontal member 320 is fixed to the vertical column 304.Therefore it is easy for the user 332 to establish ideal ergonomics.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is shown yet another embodiment of myinvention 350. The base 352 comprises first and second parallel members354 and 356 having respective first ends 358 and 360 and second ends 362and 364. The first ends 358 and 360 of each of the first and secondparallel members are joined by cross-member 366 thereby forming achannel-shaped or “C”-shaped support. The angled support member 368 is asingle piece column that has a first end 370 and a second end 372. Theangled support member first end 370 is pivotally fixed to thecross-member 366 at a pivot located at its mid-point so that the entireangled support member is able to pivot from zero degrees to 180 degreesaround mid-point of cross-member 366. The pivot may be fixed at adesired angle using a clamp or cotter pin. In another embodiment aratchet mechanism would permit the user to raise and lock the tableheight. Releasing the ratchet might be accomplished using a leverlocated at the pivot point or by remote cable actuation from the user'sseated position.

This embodiment also incorporates leg supports 380 and 382 adjustablyfixed to the angled support member by means previously described inrespect of FIG. 6. The second end 372 of the angled support arm ispivotally connected to the underside 382 of the tilt table 384 so thatthe angle of the tilt table can be adjusted and fixed by a clamp. Inthis embodiment the base 352 of the invention includes feet 386 at eachof the first and second ends of the first and second parallel members354 and 356. Casters may also be used.

Referring to FIG. 11 a there is shown a similar embodiment to that shownin FIG. 11 except that the table top has a horizontal surface 371 and aninclined surface 373. The operator can use a keyboard 375 on theinclined table top while the screen 377 rests on the horizontal portion.The operator retains the same inclined posture as shown in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIG. 12 there is shown the same embodiment as FIG. 11 ofthe invention 350. In FIG. 12 the angled support member is shown at anangle of zero degrees with respect to the horizontal floor the base 352.The first 354 and second 356 base members are shown parallel to theangled support member. The tilt table 384 is shown at an angle of zerowith respect to the angled support member. In these configurations theinvention is easily folded and stored under a bed or in a closet.

Referring now to FIG. 13 there is shown another embodiment of myinvention 400 in which the “T”-shaped base 402 of the invention isdirectly attached to a support leg 404 of the chair 406. Adjustment ofthe base with respect to the support leg 404 is accomplished by way of aclamp 410. In FIG. 13 the leg support platforms 412 and 414 are used asfoot platforms.

Referring to FIG. 14 which is the same embodiment as FIG. 13, theoperator is sitting upright with both feet on the floor.

Referring to FIG. 15, there is shown one embodiment of the inventionthat is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, but for the workingsurface comprises a tilted portion 23 upon which the keyboard 44 isplaced and a horizontal portion 41 upon which the computer flat screen61 is placed.

Referring to FIG. 16, there is shown yet another embodiment of theinvention 100 wherein the supporting members [102, 104, 106, 108, 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120] comprise tubular members or pipes and the pipesare fixed together by pipe connectors [122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132,134, 136, 138, 140]. The working surface 142 is similar to that shown inFIG. 15 in that it comprises a horizontal surface 145 and a tiltedsurface 147 which is adjustable by way of T-connection 148. All of thepipe connectors are held to the pipes by way of setscrews 151 which canbe easily loosened and tightened for disassembly and adjustment. Similarpipe connectors that employ threaded fixation or clamping fixation mayalso be used (not illustrated). For example, the setscrews onT-connection 148 can be loosened for angle adjustment of the tiltablesurface 146. Leg rests 158 and 158 are fixed to the ends of pipes 160and 162 by way of elbow couplings 128 and 132. Collar coupling 130 fixesthe leg rest assembly to the vertical member 110. Again setscrews withineach of the couplings permit easy adjustment of the height and angle ofthe leg rest assembly. The base of the unit comprises two parallelmembers 102 and 104 separated by members 106 and 106. Depending on thelocation of the workstation, the base members can be adjusted bysetscrews 150 in couplings 122 and 124 to form either a “C”-shapedconfiguration to the base or an “H”-shaped configuration. The workingsurfaces 144 and 146 and the leg rests 150 and 156 are fixed to theirrespective pipe members and elbow joints by way of flange members 160.The bottom 162 of each of the working surfaces and leg rests areperforated 164 with lines of holes so that the location of the workingsurfaces and leg rests can be adjusted with respect to their pipesupporting members. Pads 166 may be located at the end of eachsupporting base member 102 and 104 for floor contact.

FIG. 17 is the same workstation of FIG. 16 showing it in a foldedconfiguration. The setscrews in the necessary couplings have beenloosened so that the workstation can be easily folded for storage.

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention thatfurther adapts and exploits typical office structures (other than thetypical office chair and table utilized in the embodiments describedabove). To provide the necessary support structure for the user's calvesand their computer equipment, a leg rest 120 and a keyboard rest 122 areprovided. The leg rest is adapted to affix to the top of a typicaldesktop computer tower 124 and is angled at an angle 126 to provide anergonomic comfort position for the operator 128. Angle 126 is about 20degrees. The leg rest may also have a cushioned surface for addedcomfort. The keyboard rest 122 is also included at an angle 130 formaximum comfort and stress free operation of the keyboard. Angle 130 isabout 30 degrees. The leg rest and the keyboard rest would be sold as akit.

This description contains much specificity that should not be construedas limiting the scope of the invention but merely provides illustrationsof some of its embodiments. Thus the scope of the invention should bedetermined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents ratherthan by the examples given.

1. A workstation module comprising a base portion, a working platformdisposed above said base portion, vertical support means disposedbetween the base portion and said working platform and user leg supportmeans attached to said vertical support means at a fixed second height.2. The workstation module as claimed in claim 1 wherein said workingplatform is disposed above the base portion at a predetermined firstheight ergonomically optimized for comfort of a user.
 3. The workstationmodule as claimed in claim 2 wherein said predetermined first height isfixed.
 4. The workstation module as claimed in claim 2 wherein thepredetermined height is adjustable by said user by adjustable means. 5.The workstation module as claimed in claim 2 wherein said base portioncomprises a first member comprising a cross member having a first end, asecond end and a middle, a second member having a first end, a secondend and a middle wherein said second member middle is fixed to saidcross member first end and a third member having a first end, a secondend and a middle wherein said third member middle is fixed to said crossmember second end thereby forming an “H”-shaped base portion.
 6. Theworkstation module as claimed in claim 5 wherein the second member andthe third member first and second ends include supporting members toraise them off of a supporting surface.
 7. The workstation module asclaimed in claim 6 wherein said supporting members are lockable castors.8. The workstation module as claimed in claim 2 wherein said baseportion comprises a first member comprising a cross member having afirst end, a second end and a middle, a second member having a first endand a second end wherein said second member first end is fixed to saidcross member first end and a third member having a first end and asecond end wherein said third member first end is fixed to said crossmember second end thereby forming square “C”-shaped base portion.
 9. Theworkstation module as claimed in claim 2 wherein said base portion iscircular.
 10. The workstation module as claimed in claim 9 wherein thebase portion is fixed to the floor.
 11. The workstation module asclaimed in claim 6 wherein said working platform is a rectangular memberhaving a suitable top surface area for a work object and a bottomsurface.
 12. The workstation module as claimed in claim 11, wherein theworking platform bottom surface is removeably attached to said verticalsupport means by first pivot means.
 13. The workstation module asclaimed in claim 12 wherein the working platform includes a bottom endhaving a restraining member fixed thereto to prevent said work objectfrom fall off the bottom end of the working platform.
 14. Theworkstation module as claimed in claim 11 wherein the workstation moduleis integrated with a four legged table so that additional working spaceis provided.
 15. The workstation as claimed in claim 11 wherein theworking platform comprises a horizontal surface pivotably fixed to atilting surface.
 16. The workstation as claimed in claim 11 wherein theworking platform comprises a horizontal surface and a tilting surfaceindependent of said horizontal surface.
 17. The workstation module asclaimed in claim 12 wherein said restraining member has a roundedprofile to comfortably support the wrists of the user during keyboardingoperations.
 18. The workstation module as claimed in claim 17 whereinsaid vertical support means comprises a vertical member having a firstend and a second end, wherein said vertical member first end is fixed tosaid cross member middle.
 19. The workstation module as claimed in claim18 wherein said vertical support means further comprises an inclinedmember having an angle of inclination, a first end and a second end,wherein said inclined member first end is fixed to said vertical membersecond end, and wherein said inclined member second end is fixed to saidfirst pivot means.
 20. The workstation module as claimed in claim 19wherein said angle of inclination is adjustable by second pivot meansbetween the vertical support second end and the inclined member firstend.
 21. The workstation module as claimed in claim 20 wherein said userleg support means comprise a first leg support fixed at the secondheight to one side of the vertical member and a second leg support fixedto the opposite side of the vertical member at the second height. 22.The workstation module as claimed in claim 21 wherein said first legsupport and said second leg support are tiltable by tilting means to anangle selectable by the user so that the first and second leg supportshold the calves of the user in a comfortable manner and permit the userfull leg extension underneath the working surface.
 23. The workstationmodule as claimed in claim 22 wherein the first and second leg supportsare cushioned for user comfort.
 24. The workstation module as claimed inclaim 23 wherein said first pivot means comprises a hinge clampcomprising a connection plate having a top surface and a bottom surface,wherein said connection plate top surface connects by connection meansto the working platform bottom surface, and wherein said connectionplate bottom surface connects to a lockable pivoting hinge connected tothe inclined member second end, so that the working platform can betilted at any angle desired by the user to maximize comfort, and furtherso that the working platform may be disconnected from the inclinedmember second end for storage.
 25. The workstation module as claimed inclaim 24 wherein said connection means comprises at least two parallellines of mounting holes disposed centrally in the working platformbottom surface, said at least two parallel lines of mounting holesadapted to receive fastening screws so that the connection plate can befastened to working platform bottom surface in a variety of locations.26. In combination, a workstation module with a reclinable office chair,said chair comprising of a mobile base comprising a central telescopingcolumn having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said top end is fixedto a seat bottom and said bottom end is fixed to a plurality of radiallyextending supporting members each having an inside end fixed to thebottom of the column and an outside end adapted to carry a swivel castorfor mobility, wherein said workstation module comprises a supportingbase comprising a first base member having a first end, a second end anda middle and a second base member having a first end and a second endsuch that said first end of said second base member is fixed to saidmiddle of said first base member thereby forming a “T”-shaped base, avertical supporting member having a length, a first end fixed to themiddle of said first base member and a second end fixed to a workingplatform wherein said vertical supporting member comprises a pluralityof apertures along said length, and leg supporting means adapted forattachment to the vertical member at one of said plurality of apertures.27. The combination as claimed in claim 26 wherein the first base memberfirst end and second end includes a lockable castor for mobility, andwherein the second base member second end includes clamping means. 28.The combination as claimed in claim 27 wherein the second member isadapted to fit over one of said plurality of radially extendingsupporting members in a telescoping relationship and clamp to one of theplurality of radially extending supporting members using clamping meansthereby joining the workstation module to the chair as a single mobileunit.
 29. An office module kit comprising a leg rest and a keyboard restused in combination with a computer tower, an office chair andhorizontal working surface wherein the leg rest is adapted to fit overthe top of the computer tower and is angled at a first predeterminedangle to provide an ergonomic comfort position for an operator; andwherein, the keyboard rest is included at a second predetermined anglefor maximum comfort and stress free operation of the keyboard.